Published: Friday, June 21, 2013 at 05:11 PM.

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Each program ends with a graduation, usually with the men standing in front of their family and pledging to be better fathers.

Knowing the truth

One in 28 children in the U.S. has a parent in jail or prison, according to a report by the Pew Charitable Trust.

Thompson said it’s important that Sesame Street discuss the situation children face when a parent is locked up for a crime. Some parents are reluctant to have the conversation, which can leave kids as confused or hurt as the fact a parent is jailed.

“They’re happier to know the truth,” he said. “I think that it’s a wonderful effort.”

Sesame Street provides an online tool kit for parents, with tips on talking to children about incarceration and video clips of Alex talking with his friends.

A Muppet named Alex, with an orange face and arms and blue hair, confides in friends about his father being incarcerated.

Sesame Workshop introduced Alex to help eliminate confusion for children dealing with similar situations.

Sherman Thompson of Gastonia says he’s led more than 400 prisoners in making pledges to be better fathers.

Sesame Street’s surprising move is a good thing for kids, he said.

As leader of the prison ministry from Friendship Christian Church in Gastonia, Thompson has led father accountability programs at the Gaston Correctional Center in Dallas for 12 years.

Male inmates volunteer to take Thompson’s 12-week course to learn what it takes to improve relationships with their children.

Each program ends with a graduation, usually with the men standing in front of their family and pledging to be better fathers.

Knowing the truth

One in 28 children in the U.S. has a parent in jail or prison, according to a report by the Pew Charitable Trust.

Thompson said it’s important that Sesame Street discuss the situation children face when a parent is locked up for a crime. Some parents are reluctant to have the conversation, which can leave kids as confused or hurt as the fact a parent is jailed.

“They’re happier to know the truth,” he said. “I think that it’s a wonderful effort.”

Sesame Street provides an online tool kit for parents, with tips on talking to children about incarceration and video clips of Alex talking with his friends.